AN ugly town centre eyesore look set to remain that way after a bid to build on the site was turned down.

Developers wanted to transform the derelict site, in Kings Road, Halstead, into a community space with a homes, flats and offices.

The former metal fabrication engineering works has been empty since 2016.

Gosfield-based AR Clarke Builders submitted plans for the redevelopment of the site to provide 12 houses, 28 flats and eight commercial units.

The plans were rejected on the grounds that the space could be better used for another type of development.

Braintree Council said: “The proposal would result in a poor sense of place and public realm, and would have insufficient capacity to accommodate the development sought.

“The layout does not have the space to segregate employment parking from private parking which would be more desirable and secure for future residents.

“The amount of accommodation sought together with its parking and amenity space could not be accommodated on the site in a satisfactory manner, as demonstrated by the deficiencies of the proposed layout.”

Halstead Town Council had also objected to the plans unanimously.

Councillors said it was “over-intensification of the site” and there were concerns about access.

It had been suggested that the best use of the land would be to build a business park to help create more jobs in the town.

Although the proposals had included eight commercial units, most of the focus was on housing.

Other public objections to the proposals echoed that.

Peter Caulfield, who objected, said the space should be a business park to help the community.

He said: “A ‘Hunwick Business Park’ would benefit the entire community, not just a small sector, and it would make good use of the land without adding to the overdevelopment of housing.”